Oneshots - Steve x Eddie [Stranger Things]

everything means nothing if i can't have you

Steve and Eddie had finally passed three months of dating. Three full months of being boyfriends.

But they had done little more than hold hands. For example, at Steve's pool party a few days ago, Steve had pinned him against the side of the pool and leaned in to kiss him. But Eddie had pulled away, a hand on Steve's chest, stopping him in his tracks before getting out of the pool entirely, leaving Steve alone and completely confused. Eddie hadn't even taken his shirt off.

"Maybe he just... doesn't like me anymore. That happens sometimes, people's feelings change, right?" Steve said to Robin as the conversation topic had come up during one of their long shifts at Family Video together.

"Yknow, if I hadn't seen him literally pining over you when we fought Vecna, I might believe you. But, he's way too in love for his feelings to change so spontaneously." Robin responded, immediately shutting down any nervous spiral Steve was about to go through in his head.

"How can you be so sure? He never lets me near him, he won't let me kiss him, holding hands is just about allowed, and he won't even talk to me." Steve explained, listing off everything that Robin didn't know about.

"I mean- I saw him walk away from you at your pool party four days ago, now that was weird, but maybe that was too public or something?" Robin suggested, not really sure of how to help Steve in his current turmoil.

"But, I think you have to talk to Eddie about this." Robin added, knowing full-well that Steve didn't really want to.

Hesitantly, he went after Eddie.

—

The room was silent, neither of them speaking. It was uncomfortable and Steve just wanted to get it over with. So he did.

"Why do you keep pushing me away, Eddie?" Steve questioned firmly, breaking the awkward silence.

"I'm not." He answered feebly, knowing that it was a lie. But he just couldn't admit the truth, it was too painful.

"Yes, you are! Every time I try to do anything, even just hugging you, you stop me! Do you not want to be together anymore? Is that what this is?" Steve questioned, his voice raising slightly.

"Not everyone has your perfect life, Steve!" Eddie snapped, finally breaking, "I can't let myself fall for someone again because the last time it happened, they took advantage of me. It's also why I didn't tell you that I'm transgender, a freak. I had to get an abortion, Steve! It's disgusting and unnatural." Eddie finished, tears rolling down his face as he finally told Steve the truth.

Steve felt like his heart had been pierced by something sharp. His heart broke a little by Eddie telling him the truth. And that he thought those things about himself.

"...Eddie." Steve eventually breathed out, utterly horrified by how Eddie saw himself.

"Just go. Get out." Eddie spat out with venom, his eyes dark and angry. He was so pissed off that any sudden movements could send him over the edge.

"Eds, are you prepared to listen?" Steve started softly, attempting to calm Eddie down. His hands were palm-to-the-floor, in a calming manner.

Eddie took a breath and nodded, trying to calm down after everything that had just happened. He took a tentative step towards Steve, curious as to what would happen. Steve offered him his hand. He took it hesitantly.

"Eddie, I didn't know any of that. First of all, I'm not mad or annoyed. Let's start there. Second, you're still the same Eddie I know and love, I just know more about you now. Third, as for you getting taken advantage of, we don't have to do anything you aren't comfortable with. The safe word is going to be 'stop', okay? At any point, if you are ever uncomfortable, just say the safe word. I won't ever hurt you, not intentionally. Now, I can't promise that I won't say the wrong thing sometimes, just be patient with me, I'm still learning but I'm literally the world's biggest himbo. And as for that last thing you said there mister, you are gorgeous. You are absolutely perfect and never ever let anyone tell you differently." Steve explained, gently coming closer to Eddie with each sentence, eventually tipping his chin up with his pointer and thumb on the last one.

Eddie was in tears from Steve's near-monologue. The salty liquid was falling down his cheeks as he tried in vain to stop them.

"I was gonna save this for the perfect moment, but now feels like the right time. Eddie Munson, I love you." Steve whispered as his hand cupped Eddie's cheek, dropping his forehead against Eddie's intimately.

"... I- uh... I don't know what to say." Eddie responded shakily, stunned by how Steve just embraced him with open arms, no matter what.

"You don't have to say anything. Just tell me you don't want to break up." Steve responded, not wanting the relationship to be over.

"I don't wanna break up. I- uh- fuck this is hard to say-" Eddie stuttered as Steve stroked his cheek as a reassurance, "I love you too. I'm sorry about pulling away from you, I just didn't want to face the heartbreak if you didn't accept me." Eddie responded, feeling dumb that he thought Steve wouldn't accept him completely.

"Hey, hey, it's okay. I completely understand. Just one request, though. Can I kiss you now?" Steve requested, wanting to finally kiss his boyfriend again.

"Please do." Eddie answered, tilting his head up slightly.

Their lips met sweetly and there was no more worries between them.

[946 Words]